THE RNLI Southend lifeboat was called twice to deal with a vessel with one man and his dog aboard that had become lost while sailing in the River Medway.

The inshore lifeboat, ILB1, was sent at 7.20pm yesterday (Sunday) to reports that the 25ft sailing yacht had got into difficulties off shore at Western Esplanade in Southend.

The lifeboat crew helped man and dog to Alexander Yacht Club's jetty, on the falling tide, where the yachtsman was happy to be left until he could make his way on the next tide the following morning.

However, the lifeboat crew were called again at 5.20am this problem to the same vessel that was having problems making way.

The inshore lifeboat crew towed the vessel out to the Sea Reach 4 marker buoy, near to Southend Pier Head, where they had arranged to be met by Sheerness RNLI all weather lifeboat, who took over the tow back to The River Medway.

A second Southend lifeboat crew had made their way down to the pierhead to make ready the Atlantic 75 lifeboat as back up in the adverse winds, but were not required and were stood down.